FRANKFORT, Ky. – First Lady Glenna Fletcher participated in a Red Ribbon Week event today in Frankfort, where she spoke about the importance of keeping children safe and drug-free. Mrs. Fletcher, who was joined by youth from across Kentucky, planted a red tulip in recognition of the theme of Red Ribbon Week: “Freedom is Drug-Free, Plant the Promise.” The theme is meant to symbolize hope and serve as a reminder to youth to stay drug-free. Brig. Gen. Norman Arflack, secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, also participated in the event.

“Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity for all Kentuckians to send a clear and unequivocal message that drugs damage communities, families and lives – whether it is through lost productivity, unfulfilled dreams, drunken driving or addictions,” said Mrs. Fletcher. “We need to encourage young people to be drug-free and continue to look for new and innovative ways to educate our children about the dangers of drug use.”

During Red Ribbon Week, schools, businesses, families and youth across America will plant bulbs that will bloom into vibrant red tulips and will serve as a reminder to stay drug-free. Most bulbs that are planted during October will bloom in April, during National Alcohol Awareness Month.

The national Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1985 after drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena. Since then, red ribbons have been used as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, which is officially held from October 23-31.